ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
A local four-wheel-drive enthusiast has completed a punishing solo trek through Remienko National Park this week, only to find a French backpacker in a completely unmodified Subaru Forester already at the destination.
Dylan Garbutt, a 37-year-old diesel mechanic and long-time member of the Betoota Off-Road Recovery Club, departed from the southern trailhead early Saturday morning in his extensively modified 2005 Toyota Prado. Equipped with dual snorkels, aerials, new set of Mickey Thompson Bajas, diff locks, half a dozen wallaby jacks, two spare tyres, a winch and a rooftop tent, Garbutt spent just under four hours navigating what he described as “one of the more technical tracks in the region.”
“I locked into low range about 800 metres in and didn’t touch high again until I hit the bluff,” he told The Advocate.
“Multiple river crossings. Mud like porridge. Had to shovel out three ruts just to keep traction. It was hard yakka.”
Garbutt reached the Diamantina River campsite shortly after 6pm, where he found 24-year-old French national Pierre Leblanc already set up with a small fire, billy on the boil, and a 2005 Subaru Forester that showed minimal signs of off-road travel.
“He goes, ‘Bonjour my friend’ and waves, smiling, I asked him where he came in from. He just pointed back at the track,” said Garbutt.
When questioned, Leblanc confirmed he had driven the same route earlier that morning in the Forester, which remains stock apart from a Bluetooth head unit, blow up mattress and one bald tyre.
“I just go slow,” he said.
“That is all. Piece of the piss, as you say.”
Garbutt was offered a bowl of Mi Goreng, a warm Carlton Dry can and as many Chesterfield cigarettes his lungs could handle before making camp.
Authorities remind all visitors to Remienko National Park that fire trails are rated for high-clearance vehicles only and travel is at the driver’s own risk.
More to come.
